Music therapy in psycho-oncology

Background and objective. As a creative-arts based approach, music therapy is a substantial part of psychosocial cancer care. Despite improvements in evidence-based research, the significance of music therapy is still subject to discourse due to a lack of professional regulations. This review aims to summarize the current state of research on the effects of music therapy in the various stages of oncological treatment. Methods. We summarized the most recent studies on the efficacy of music therapy in oncology, based on the results of a systematic literature review. Results. In curative treatment, many studies report positive effects regarding a decrease in anxiety and required pain medication. Only one study was found for the aftercare setting showing an improvement in body image and in sense of identity after music therapy. For palliative care, there is evidence for improvements in well-being and quality of life as well as decreases in pain and stress. In general, music therapists use relaxation and imagery, song and improvisation techniques that are frequently tailored to the individual patient's needs. Conclusion. Overall, studies demonstrate the promising effects of music therapy in cancer patients, and therefore support its use in various stages of psycho-oncological treatment. However, more research is needed to answer the question of which patient groups would benefit most from participation in creative-arts based therapies.